Broadcast, TV, Game Time

The two schools are just a long bike ride apart – just 35 miles separating them – but it’s only the sixth meeting between the two.

So the idea of Vanderbilt playing a true road game isn’t quite right. If Commdore fans want to see this game, it’s not a stretch to show up.

With Alabama A&M up next week, there’s time to gear up for the home showdowns against Kansas State and Alabama, but just getting by a dangerous Middle Tennessee team will be tough enough.

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The Blue Raiders have the firepower to be deep in the hunt for the Conference USA title with one of the most interesting passing offenses in the country.

So can Vandy keep up if it has to? Can the offense that had a few great moments late last season crank it up against the Blue Raiders?

If Conference USA wants a respect win, this would be it. If Vanderbilt wants to go bowling – and if it wants to prove it’s going to be any sort of a factor when the SEC East world rolls around – it had better win this.

One Reason Why Vanderbilt Will Win

Pound, pound, pound away.

Middle Tennessee should be able to generate a decent pass rush thanks to Walter Brady on one side, but there’s not enough size in the interior other than a few okay options. If Vanderbilt commits to the run right away, it should be able to control the clock and keep the Blue Raider offense off the field.

There’s some reworking being done up front, but there shouldn’t be any problems blasting with backs Ralph Webb and Khari Blasingame taking control from the start.

At some point, the Commodore offense has to start opening it up downfield. But this week, it’s okay to own the time of possession and do what you need to get by. However …

One Reason Why Middle Tennessee Will Win

Score early, make Vanderbilt try to throw to keep up, and you’ve got a shot.

Brent Stockstill threw for 399 yards and three scores in last year’s 47-24 loss, but it took 65 throws to get there. He has to rev it all up again, but be more accurate – he hit just 59% of his throws – and wasn’t able to get the O to keep pace with what Vanderbilt was doing.

The Commodores got the ground game rumbling – scoring five times and crushing the Middle Tennessee D for 231 yards – and nothing could take them out of it.

While Vandy should be better equipped to start throwing more now, the Blue Raiders will take their chances getting passed on rather than get steamrolled again.

What’s Going To Happen

Middle Tennessee won’t have the toughness on defense to survive, and Vanderbilt will actually throw a little bit.

Stockstill and WR Richie James will get their yards, but the Commodores will be surprisingly balanced and effective throughout.

It might not be a great moment for the Vanderbilt defense, but it’ll come up with just enough third down stops to let the running game control and roll.